Young Guardian Trilogy by Lady Adellandra Dratianos (the lemonade war series .TXT) 📖

poem he’d written for me. I stared into his chocolate-brown eyes as they bored into mine.

“A kiss, a dream, was all I need,
“To bring my soul to life,
“A touch, a thought, from you I’ll cherish
“As you become my wife.”

My eyes started to water with emotion. As we exchanged vows, I tuned everything else out but him. Nothing mattered but Derrick Reading now, and nothing but our love would ever matter again. It was a union meant to be, by the stars, the Mystics, my – our – destiny.
We slid the rings on each other’s fingers, tokens of love and life to come.
“Do you, Ariana Moon Woods, take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband; to have and to hold, for rich or for poor, in sickness and in health, till death do you part?”
I took a deep breath. “I do.”
The Minister turned to Derrick. “Do you, Derrick James Reading, take this woman to be your lawfully wedded wife; to have and to hold, for rich or for poor, in sickness and in health, till death do you part?”
I stared at his eyes, longing for me. His ultimate Dream Girl, while he was my Imaginary Romeo throughout years of orphanage hell.
“I do.”
“You may now kiss the bride.”
Derrick took my chin and gave me a passionate kiss.
Right away, something in my heart burst. Like something within me that had been searching for a way out was finally freed. I heard the hoots and hollers of the crowd, but ignored them.
In my mind, I heard Derrick’s voice.
I’ll love you forever and a day.
We parted and I looked at him, who was smiling.
Derrick and I stood waiting for the same to happen for Luna and Shane.
When we were finished, the minister called the attention of the crowd.
“By the power vested in me, by the state of California, I now give to you Mr. and Mrs. Reading,” he pointed to us, then to my twin and her new husband. “And Mr. and Mrs. Morehouse.”
Luna and I exchanged a twin glance.
The day had been perfect, and the best surprise was yet to come.
“I hope I’m not late.” I heard a voice in the back of the room.
I had to do a double-take. This girl looked exactly like Shannon, only more glamour and less business. She looked like a movie-star.
My own twin was smiling at me.
I looked to Shannon, whose cheeks were red with embarrassment.
So this glamorous girl was Shannon’s twin?
Prologue: #3:
Family at Last!

Shannon Ryan cleared her throat before addressing us, the astonished crowd.
I could see Mistress Enchantra smiling. So was O’Dell, who was beside her.
What did they know that I didn’t?
“I’m sorry to do this to you, but it just came up.” Shannon apologized.
I stayed calm; knowing something big was going to happen.
“Everybody, I’d like you to meet my twin sister, Julia Star.” Shannon looked to us, then her twin. “Come on, Julia. Introduce yourself to the awaiting crowd.”
Julia had a violet dress on, which looked extra-old. I sensed her shyness in front of the large group of people.
“Like she said, I’m Julia Star.” Julia replied softly, fiddling with the small locket around her neck. “I’m Shannon’s older twin sister.” She smiled at Shannon, who rolled her eyes. “I came here in search of some answers I hoped to find.”
“Answers to what?” I asked her gently.
“Who I am. I’ve grown up in orphanages around the states, longing to find my real mother.” Julia explained. “I found my – our – mother’s diary, which told me her story. It explained what happened to her, why she had to give me up, and not Shannon, and even about the strange powers I have.”
“You are a Mystic, dear.” Enchantra smiled. “I am your Grandmother, Enchantra. Sarabeth was the youngest of my three daughters. I would be glad to tell you the Mystic story anytime you want to hear it.”
Julia smiled. “I’d like that.”
“At any rate,” Shane began. He turned to Luna. “My Love let us celebrate.” He raised his head to the crowd. “Come one, come all, to the Mystical, magical ball!”
In an orderly fashion, we exited out of the building.
Thoughts were rumbling in my head.
So many things were going on at once; I couldn’t control the feelings in my heart.
Julia was just like me. An orphan-turned-Mystic. I wonder how untamed Julia’s Magic was.
“Hey you,” Derrick whispered in my ear, bringing my thoughts back to him. “Let’s go to the Ballroom. It’s time to party!”
I giggled. “Aye, aye, Captain!”

We rushed to the Ballroom, where we met everyone. They were already dancing.
It was so beautiful. As I said, everything was perfect. The Wedding Party tables were set across from each other, and our names were on each place with a colorful rainbow-ribbon.
Derrick smiled and held his arm out. “Let’s dance.”
I took it and we danced to a slow, romantic melody. The moment took me away, where only he and I were there. The band was perfect, not missing a beat.
Near the middle of the evening, I was still dancing with Derrick when I felt a tap on my shoulder.
Turning, I see the familiar brown hair of the Earthbound Wolf Stargazer.
“If I may be so bold to have this dance, my Young Guardian?” Wolf bowed to me.
I hated when he called me that, especially in my own world. “What have I told you about calling me that in the Outer Realm?”
Wolf looked up with a grin. “Not to do it. Aye, 'tis understandable. Then I rephrase myself. May I have this dance, Ariana Reading?”
I smiled. A little better, but I wasn’t going to argue.
I looked at my new husband’s eyes, which told me to go ahead.
“Where’s Katherine?” I asked Wolf as Derrick left my side.
“She is with Kit and Marie.” Wolf looked into my eyes. “You look stunning this evening.”
I blushed. “Thank you, Wolf. And may I say how handsome you look?”
“You may.” Wolf kidded with a light laugh. His brown eyes sparkled as he danced with me.
It was a fast song, and Wolf was a little clumsy when it came to dancing.
“Let me guess, you’ve never danced in the Outer Realm before?” I teased him.
“I admit I have never danced a day in my life before today.” Wolf said. “Am I doing okay?”
“You’re having fun, right?”
“Aye.”
I smiled. “That’s all that matters.”
I looked up to see Enchantra coming toward me.
“If you’ll excuse me, Wolf, I believe Mistress Enchantra needs to talk to me.”
He was shocked for a second, almost disappointed to see me go. “Certainly. I will find Katherine for you.”
He left me and I walked up to Enchantra, who was all beauty in her rainbow-colored gown.
I bowed to her the best I could without tripping over the trail of the dress. “Mistress, thank you for coming.”
“It is always a pleasure, Ariana.” Enchantra grinned. “It truly was a marvelous ceremony. I do not believe either of you were nervous.”
“For once, you’re wrong.” I laughed. “I sure was.”
“Not as much as O’Dell was I suppose.” Enchantra said. “Did you see how he was fidgeting in the pews, just watching you?”
“Me?” I asked.
“Aye. He was watching as his own successor was being wed to her lifetime Earthly Protector.” Enchantra replied. She kissed each of my cheeks, hugging me. “I wish you the best of luck and happiness, Young Guardian.”
Somehow, coming from her, that name didn’t bother me.
By her smile earlier, I could tell she wanted to say something else. “Enchantra, did you wish to talk about anything else?”
She took a deep breath. “There will be time for that later, dear.” She patted my hands, which were folded in front of me. “We have to go soon, as do the Companions. If you wish to speak to Katherine, I suggest you do it now.”
She turned and left.
Katherine Hawk was standing alone in a corner with her sister and Marie.
Where were Toby, Panther, and Wolf? I wondered.
I shrugged and headed over to them.
Marie noticed me and pulled back her white-blond hair out of her face before kneeling. “My Young Guardian. I extend my congratulations.”
Kitten’s Claw and Katherine giggled.
Marie was confused as she rose. “Is that not how you address an Elder?”
“Aye, but this Elder is much more relaxed about her title.” Katherine snuck a glance at me. “During the Crusades, when Wolf, Toby, Kit, and I were Earthbound the first time with the Amulets, we sought Young Guardian’s help. Embarrassed to be called that in her own Realm, she insisted on us addressing her by her first name. Ariana.”
“What a lengthy explanation, Kat.” I teased her. I turned to Marie. “Basically, what she’s saying is that you should call me by my first name when you’re Earthbound. Not many Earthbound or Young Dreamers know me as the Young Guardian.”
Marie nodded. “Aye.”
“When the Crusaders sleep tonight,” Katherine spoke up, “come to the Mystic Palace. Wolf and I are to be wed, not to mention Kit and Toby and Marie to Panther.”
“So, he’s finally over me, huh?” I teased with a laugh.
Marie knew the story of our short romance, and understood that she was the reason for it. Mark – Panther – was her adopted brother before she died in our world. When she died, she went to the Dream Realm to live, searching for answers. I first met her as a ghost in her old bedroom, trying to reach out to me. That’s also when I first met Mark.
“He has me, so why would he love you?” Marie teased back, her violet eyes sparkling.
“How are your lessons coming along?” I asked her, thinking of her Companion lessons Katherine was giving her.
“She is doing remarkable, Ariana.” Katherine told me. “I cannot believe how powerful she has become in such a short time.”
“I suppose now Orthos will want to bug me again.” Marie’s eyes turned dark. “If he gets word of it, that is.”
“He will know soon enough, but that does not matter.” Kit replied. “What matters now is the three of us are to be wed to our long-time beaus in a Mystic Ceremony.”
“Speaking of,” Katherine interrupted her to address me. “That is why Enchantra wishes your presence at the Palace tonight.”
I nodded. I knew she wanted something. I smiled. “Katherine, as my best Companion friend and your Young Guardian, I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”
Katherine hugged me. “Than I have your blessings?”
“More than that.” I told her. “You have my friendship eternal. You know that.”
“Aye,” She grinned. “I will always stay a close friend to you, no matter what, my Young Guardian Ariana Reading.”
“The Companions must be going now.” I heard my Lord O’Dell’s voice boom from behind me.
I turned and bowed. “Certainly, My Lord.” I replied, rising. “Thank you for coming. You don’t know how much it meant to me to have you here.”
He grinned. “It was wonderful to be Earthbound shortly again, but there is much work to be done in the Dream Realm before tonight.” He paused. “You will come, I imagine?”
I nodded. “Derrick, Luna, Shane, and I will all be there.”
“Very good.” O’Dell nodded, escorting the three female Companions out the door. I saw Wolf, Toby, and Panther follow.
Panther stopped at the door, turning to give me a smile and a nod.
I was glad he was happy, and he was glad I was happy. It all worked out in the end.
I grinned, folding